tawandamusarurwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
Welfare organisation Kunashe Foundation has ventured into maternal health programmes geared to support the development of women and girls in local communities.
Founded in 2018, the organisation seeks to improve the lives of young women and girls through sustainable developmental projects.
In an interview, Kunashe Foundation director, Mrs Ratidzo Njagu said: “I had previously struggled with a chronic disease called endometriosis which related to women’s menstrual cycles and affects one in every 10 women.
“So I struggled with that throughout my adult life and then went on to have twins who both passed on prematurely.
“Through that experience I realised that there was need to have organisations that support women affected by issues of maternal health.
Mrs Njagu said maternal health problems can affect women’s mental health hence there was need to support affected women at community level.
“These issues affect your personal development and your education.
“It impacts on your ability to have a family, which is really why the foundation began the work that we do.
“However, we are no longer just focused on women and girls because we realised that male engagement and participation is vital for the success of the work we do.
“We are really keen to ensure that the key demographic of young people is informed and equipped and they are able to participate in terms of the social and economic development.”
She said the organisation has assisted over 50 000 people and trained 5 000 others on maternal health issues.
“This year we are currently focusing on our partnership with Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council so that we implement our programmes in Harare, Manicaland and Mashonaland East.
“So far we have reached 50 000 people and the goal is to scale up this year as we gain more access into different areas and as our programme continues to be more holistic,” she said.
Online Reporter